Kitty Shephard
Dedicated to promoting a multi-cultural and inclusive Canada, Kitty Shephard moved to Canada in 2009 from England. She majored in History with a minor in English Literature at Concordia University, Montreal. Since graduating, Kitty works as an administrative assistant in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Throughout her degree, Kitty focused on the history of human rights and reconciliation, with emphasis on the effects of genocide & Canada’s role as a “peacekeeping nation”. Passionate about eliminating historical amnesia in education, attending the Ubumuntu International Youth Conference 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda was a natural opportunity to seize, and learn more about peace & inclusive education. This experience & her university education increased Kitty’s awareness of Canadian human rights & democratic initiatives. Through internships with the Montreal Institute of Genocide & Human Rights, STAND Canada & the Canadian Center for the Responsibility to Protect: McGill Division, she has honed her communication skills, particularly in media monitoring, social media & outreach. Currently, Kitty volunteers as Director of Communications & Outreach for Welcome Home TO (WHTO). This group of professionals is committed to connecting organizations, resources & individuals who support the successful settlement of newcomers in Canada. WHTO focuses on addressing the challenges of Canada’s resettlement system, whilst simultaneously promoting initiatives which resolve these opportunities. As a Communications and Outreach lead, Kitty is responsible for managing the distribution of WHTO’s digital content, outreach with stakeholders & media, as well as advising the Board of Directors in developing the organizationWelcome Home TO.
Welcome Home TO
Welcome Home TO (WHTO) is a group of professionals committed to connecting organizations, resources and individuals who support the successful settlement of newcomers in Canada. In 2015, the organization began their journey by mapping out the broader settlement sector and researching the lived experiences of refugees, settlement service providers, private sponsors and active citizens. Their mission is to connect these existing settlement services and providers through integrated digital support and coordination tools.
As a result of their outreach and facilitation, WHTO has become a go-to partner for groups and agencies. WHTO’s mission and vision directly targets four Sustainable Development Goals: reducing inequalities (SDG #10); increase good health and wellbeing (SDG #3); promote gender equality (SDG #5) and grow and develop peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG #16). WHTO will promote the tolerance of inter and intra-cultural and ethnic differences, as well as promote the wellbeing of newcomers and Canadians alike. By providing networking opportunities to develop individuals’ potential, Canadian society will be more inclusive and democratic.